Update 16 March 2018
The council voted 5-4 in favour for option 1 at their meeting on 15 March – this is a fantastic result. Read our media release below for more details. Thanks to everyone that supported the campaign.
Cycle Action Kapiti and Low Carbon Kapiti news release 16-3-18
Updated 9 Feb 2018
The Kāpiti Coast District Council is currently deciding on designs for how the old State Highway One at Waikanae Town Centre will be revamped when it is handed over from NZTA to the Council. There are two options in the running: Option 1 that has cycle lanes, 32 parallel parks for cars and a buffer zone between for opening car doors safely, and Option 2 that has no cycle lanes, 41 angle parks and no buffer zone. See designs for each here and a side-by-side comparison here (PDF). Option 2 was developed in response to lobbying by business owners. Both options actually have more car parks than the 22 there presently.
We in Low Carbon Kāpiti care about the climate and finding local solutions that have great spin-off benefits, and the cycle-friendly Main Street in Option 1 in Waikanae fits the bill perfectly.
Thanks to everyone that signed the petition and wrote in on this matter. It will go to a vote at Kāpiti Coast District Council on 15 March 2018. But some Waikanae Town Centre business owners want as many angle car parks as they can get, and no cycle lanes. This is not safe for cyclists! The fact more people (i.e. customers) will cycle to Waikanae Town Centre if it is safer appears to be lost on them regrettably. The Councillors are reportedly evenly split on the matter. Low Carbon Kāpiti will be lobbying hard with Kapiti Cycling Action for Option 1. Follow updates and events on this campaign on our Facebook page.
Kapiti Cycling Action and Low Carbon Kapiti news release 9-2-18
